Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-1-
GAS ALTERING CONVECTIVE THERMOREGULATION
BLANKET
BACKGROUND
[0001] During medical procedures, a patient lays on, is covered by or
surrounded by a
warming blanket. The temperature of the patient is regulated using the blanket
in combination
with a forced-air blower system. The blower system feeds air into a port in
the blanket and
the blanket disperses warm air through perforations in the blanket surface.
SUMMARY
[0002] A convective thermoregulation blanket includes an exterior surface,
a plurality of
interconnected distribution channels and a first inlet opening. A portion of
the exterior
surface is configured to be in contact with a patient. The interconnected
distribution channels
are located internal to the convective thermoregulation blanket and include a
primary
distribution channel having an interior surface. The first inlet opening
extends between the
exterior surface of the convective thermoregulation blanket and the interior
surface of the
primary distribution channel to deliver thermal regulated convective air into
the primary
distribution channel. At least a portion of the primary distribution channel
includes a filter
material. The filter material filters thermal regulated convective air in the
primary distribution
channel and provides the remaining plurality of distribution channels with
filtered thermal
regulated convective air.
[0003] Alternatively, the filter material is provided at the first inlet
opening in the form of
a filtration device. The filtration device includes a support body having a
first surface, an
opposing second surface and an aperture extending between the first surface
and the second
surface. The aperture includes an inwardly facing surface that defines a
distance between the
first and second surfaces of the support body. A sealing component is coupled
to the support
body and is configured to seal a distal end of a hose containing a supply of
airflow with an
inlet opening in the convective thermoregulation blanket. A filter element is
coupled to the
support body and extends across the aperture in the support body and the first
inlet opening in
the thermoregulation blanket. The filter element configured to filter harmful
airborne
contaminants in the supply of airflow in the hose.
[0004] Embodiments provide a gas altering convective thermoregulation
blanket having
an inlet port configured to receive an anesthesia gas circuit or hose of a
blower/fan unit. The
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-2-
inlet port includes a support body, a gasket or other sealing mechanism and a
filter element
for filtering out harmful particulate matter to provide a thermoregulated
clean or sterile
environment for a surgical site, incision, wound, surgical tray/table,
surgical instruments,
implants, or patient. The system can be controlled for airflow, air
filtration, gas concentration,
gases, humidity and/or temperature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a convective thermoregulation
blanket.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a filtration device for a convective
thermoregulation blanket under one embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the filtration device illustrated in
FIG. 2.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the filtration device illustrated in
FIG. 2 as a supply
of convective air is delivered into the thermoregulation blanket.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the
filtration device
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the alternative filtration device
illustrated in FIG. 5 as
a supply of convective air is delivered into the thermoregulation blanket.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the
filtration device
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the alternative filtration device
illustrated in FIG. 7 as
a supply of convective air is delivered into the thermoregulation blanket.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a filtration device for a convective
thermoregulation blanket under another embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a filtration device illustrated in
FIG. 9.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a filtration device for a convective
thermoregulation
blanket under another embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the filtration device illustrated in
FIG. 11 as a
supply of convective air is delivered into the thermoregulation blanket.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a filtration device for a convective
thermoregulation
blanket under another embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the filtration device illustrated in
FIG. 13 as a
supply of convective air is delivered into the thermoregulation blanket.
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-3-
[0019] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a filtration device for a convective
thermoregulation
blanket under another embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the filtration device illustrated in
FIG. 15 as a
supply of convective air is delivered into the thermoregulation blanket.
[0021] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a filtration device for a convective
thermoregulation
blanket under another embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the
filtration device
illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0023] FIG. 19 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the
filtration device
illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0024] FIG. 20 illustrates a diagrammatic top view of one embodiment of a
convective
thermoregulation blanket.
[0025] FIG. 21 illustrates a diagrammatic top view of another embodiment of
a
convective thermoregulation blanket.
[0026] FIG. 22 illustrates a filtration device under yet another
embodiment.
[0027] FIGS. 23-1 through 23-2 illustrate a diagrammatic top views of
further
embodiments of a convective thermoregulation blanket.
[0028] FIG. 24 illustrates a diagrammatic perspective view of another
embodiment of a
convective thermoregulation blanket.
[0029] FIG. 25 illustrates a sectional view of another embodiment of a
primary
distribution channel.
[0030] FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic side view of a patient laying on top of
another
embodiment of a thermoregulation blanket.
[0031] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a convective thermoregulation
blanket under
another embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the primary distribution
channel
illustrated in FIG. 27.
[0033] FIGS. 29-1 through 29-3 illustrate perspective views of a convective
thermoregulation blanket under another embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the primary distribution
channel
illustrated in FIGS. 29-1 through 29-3.
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-4-
[0035] FIG. 31 illustrates a diagrammatic section view of another
embodiment of a
patient and thermoregulation blanket.
[0036] FIG. 32 illustrates a diagrammatic section view of yet another
embodiment of a
patient and thermoregulation blanket.
[0037] FIG. 33 illustrates a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a
convective
thermoregulation blanket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clean or sterile environment
using a
convective thermoregulation system by including filtration components attached
to or
incorporated into a convective blanket. By filtering airborne microbes or
particles at the
blanket level, there is a decrease in the risk of infections caused by local
or airborne
contamination. In addition, the blanket, in combination with the filtration
components, for
example, a high efficiency particulate air filter, can create a clean or
sterile environment of
airflow that will allow the alteration of oxygen, temperature, humidity,
and/or gas/air
concentration on or near a clean or sterile surgical environment. The ability
to blow filtered
clean or sterile air on or near a clean or sterile environment with varying
gas concentrations,
humidity, or temperature on or near a surgical site or patient will
significantly decrease the
risk of contamination of surgical environment, surgical site infections, or
operating room or
surgical site fires.
[0039] Currently available convective blankets and thermoregulation systems
are
designed to keep blowing air away from a surgical site due to risk of
contamination. Directly
blowing air on or around a surgical site is avoided with current convective
systems since the
air blown into the blanket that exits the blanket through the outlet
opening(s) may contain
harmful airborne particulate matter such as dust, microbes, human cells or
cell components,
respiratory droplets, and any particulate matter generated by the blower unit
or from ambient
air. Additionally, airborne contamination can be introduced into the clean or
sterile
environment by blowing contaminated air on or near the clean or sterile field
by alteration of
airflow or gas property such as density, or differences in air temperatures.
For example,
airflow can be disrupted by alteration of airflow, by difference in
temperatures of air or gas,
vented or exhaust air, or excess or waste heat from a convective blower,
blanket, or a
thermoregulation unit. For example, warm air from the blower unit or blanket
can travel
along the patient or drape, exit the drape near the floor, and the warmer air
such as exhaust air
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-5-
or waste heat can rise carrying with it contaminants from or near the floor
along with
particulates from dust, skin, cells or cell particles, droplets, surgical
drape, blanket, blower, or
operating room personnel near the sterile surgical environment. The airborne
particulates or
microbes can travel or be carried by airflow, heat currents or warm air and
settle into a clean
or sterile surgical environment, incision, or wound. Contamination by airborne
matter or
other airborne mobilized contaminates can contact a clean or sterile
environment, and
therefore increase the risk of contamination or infection of surgical
incision/wound, surgical
drape, surgical instruments, instrument tray, or implants. By providing
filtered clean or
sterile or particulate free air on or around a sterile surgical environment,
incision, or wound,
the contaminated or particulate-laden air from ambient, vented or exhaust air,
or excess or
waste heat is displaced, diluted, altered, modified, or regulated from the
surrounding clean or
sterile environment thus decreasing the risk of surgical site infection or
contamination to
surgical instruments, trays/tables, or implants.
[0040] Additionally, the ability to provide filtered clean or sterile air
on or near a surgical
environment can reduce the risk of operating room fires. During certain
medical procedures,
the risk of an operating room fire is increased especially when higher
concentrations of
oxygen (at or above ambient) are provided to a spontaneously, assisted, or
mechanically
breathing patient by a supplemental oxygen source via blow-by, facemask, nasal
cannula,
endotracheal tube or airway device, flexible or rigid bronchoscope, venturi,
or jet ventilation
creating an oxygen rich environment on or near a patient or clean or sterile
surgical
environment. Oxygen or other flammable or combustible gases from a source,
such as vapor
or liquid from surgical prep solution, can be entrapped on or near the
surgical environment or
patient, especially when surgical drapes are utilized to enclose a clean or
sterile surgical
environment. The higher concentration of oxygen or flammable gas(s) can be
diluted,
displaced, altered, modified, or regulated by blowing filtered clean or
sterile air or gas such as
helium, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide that is less flammable or nonflammable to
reduce or
eliminate surgical fire risks.
[0041] By providing filtration components attached to or incorporated into
a convective
thermoregulation blanket utilizing varying gases that are, for example, low in
oxygen, inert,
or noncombustible such as ambient air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or helium,
airflow exiting
the blanket can dilute or displace (i.e., wash out) gas(s) that create or
support combustion
such as flammable gases, accelerants, or oxidizers. The filtration components
attached to or
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-6-
incorporated in the blanket can filter out harmful microbes and particles, and
air can exit the
blanket through the array of outlet openings to displace or dilute the higher
concentration of
oxygen and flammable gases, thereby altering the oxygen rich environment
around the
patient and reducing the risk of operating room or surgical fires.
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a convective
thermoregulation system
100 including a blower unit 102 and a convective thermoregulation blanket 104.
Blower unit
102 includes components for pulling in ambient room air, warming or cooling
the air with,
for example a heater or refrigerant, and blowing the conditioned air through a
hose 106 into
convective thermoregulation blanket 104 at an inlet port 108. In addition,
blower unit 102 can
include components for controlling the humidity of output air. Internal
channels or chambers
110 in convective thermoregulation blanket 104 distribute air throughout the
blanket and
exits onto the patient at outlet openings 112. Although FIG. 1 illustrates
convective
thermoregulation blanket 104 as having a plurality of outlet openings 112
distributed along
each of the internal channels or chambers 110, it should be realized that
other types of outlet
openings 110 are possible. For example, convective thermoregulation blanket
104 can have a
single outlet opening or an outlet opening for each channel or chamber. In
addition, while
outlet openings 112 are illustrated as opening to the top of the blanket 104,
outlet openings
112 can be located on either or the bottom and top of the blanket depending on
whether the
patient is laying underneath or on top of blanket 104.
[0043] As illustrated, convective thermoregulation blanket 104 is placed on
or under a
patient 113 to warm or cool desired areas of the patient. Of the illustrated
convective
thermoregulation system 100, convective thermoregulation blanket 104 is
disposable. In
particular, the convective thermoregulation blanket can be made of a top layer
of plastic
sheeting and a bottom layer of paper or other woven or non-woven material.
While blanket
104 is disposable, hose 106 and the blower unit 102 are reused for other
patients. Therefore,
the end of hose 106 is inserted into hose inlet ports of different convective
thermoregulation
blankets for different patients.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a filtration device 208 coupled to a
convective
thermoregulation blanket 204 under one embodiment, while FIG. 3 is a sectional
view of
filtration device 208 and blanket 204 of FIG. 2. Filtration device 208 is
configured to receive
a hose 206 connected to a blower unit or forced-air blower system.
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-7-
[0045] Filtration device 208 includes a support body 214, a gasket or
sealing component
216 and a filter element 218. As illustrated in detail in FIG. 3, support body
214 includes a
first surface 215, an opposing second surface 217 and an aperture 219
extending between the
first 215 and second 217 surfaces. Aperture 219 has an inwardly facing surface
221 that
defines a distance 223 between the first 215 and second 217 surfaces. Support
body 214
supports gasket 216 and filter element 218, which are all coupled together by,
for example,
lamination, adherence or other type of attachment means. As illustrated in
FIG. 3, support
body 214 of filtration device 208 can be attached to an exterior surface 220
of convective
thermoregulation blanket 204 by an adhesive 222. It should be realized that
other means are
possible, such as by lamination.
[0046] Gasket or sealing component 216 is configured to seal a distal end
205 of hose
206 with an inlet opening in thermoregulation blanket 204. Hose 206 contains a
supply of
convective airflow. In one embodiment, filtration device 208 can be assembled
together and
then fastened or affixed to exterior surface 220 of convective
thermoregulation blanket 204 in
a location where the blanket has been nicked with a slit 225 that extends
between exterior
surface 220 and an interior surface 224 of thermoregulation blanket 204. Upon
sealing the
distal end 205 of hose 206 to gasket or sealing component 216, slit 225 is
widened to become
the inlet opening in which the convective airflow 227 (FIG. 4) supplied from
hose 206 is
delivered into thermoregulation blanket 204. Filter element 218 is coupled to
inwardly facing
surface 221 and extends across aperture 219 in support body 214.
[0047] As illustrated in the sectional view of FIG. 4, filtration device
208 receives a distal
end 205 of hose 206, which pushes filter element 218 through and into the
interior of the
blanket at the location of the slit 225 or inlet opening. After gasket 216
seals hose 206 to
convective thermoregulation blanket 204, the supply of convective airflow 227
from hose
206 is delivered into the convective thermoregulation blanket and inflates
filter element 218
within the blanket. Filter element 218 filters harmful airborne contaminants
flowing from the
supply of airflow 227 in hose 206 before clean air 229 is distributed
throughout the channels
or chambers of the blanket 204.
[0048] FIGS. 5 and 6 are sectional views of an alternative embodiment of
filtration
device 208 coupled to a convective thermoregulation blanket 204. Like the
embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3, alternative filtration device 208 includes support body
214, gasket or
sealing component 216 and filter element 218. Support body 214 supports gasket
216 and
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-8-
filter element 218, which are all coupled together by, for example,
lamination, adherence or
other type of attachment means. In addition, support body 214 of filtration
device 208 is
attached to exterior surface 220 of convective thermoregulation blanket 204 by
an adhesive
222.
[0049] In FIG. 5, filter element 218 includes a plurality of filters 228
stacked together in
layers and spaced apart from each other rather than the single filter shown in
FIG. 3. More
particularly, FIG. 5 illustrates three filters. However, it should be realized
that any number of
filters can be used. Each of the plurality of filters 228, for example, can be
a different type of
filter that filters different size particles. Although not specifically
illustrated in FIGS. 5, filter
element 218 can be positioned at different points relative to the support body
214 and gasket
216. In FIG. 5, filter element 218 is positioned below support body 214.
However, filter
element 218 can be positioned above support body 214 or along the same plane
as the support
body.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 6, filtration device 208 receives a distal
end 205 of hose 206,
which unfolds filter element 218 to push filters 228 through and into the
interior of the
blanket 204 at the location of an inlet opening. After gasket 216 seals hose
206 to convective
thermoregulation blanket 204, the supply of convective airflow 227 from hose
206 is
delivered into the convective thermoregulation blanket and expands filters 228
into the
interior of the blanket 204. Filters 228 filter harmful airborne contaminants
flowing from the
supply of airflow 227 in hose 206 before clean air 229 is distributed
throughout the channels
or chambers of the blanket 204. With filter element 218 being in the form of
multiple layers
of filters 228, the multiple filters 228 can more easily retain particles when
the hose 206 is
removed.
[0051] FIGS. 7 and 8 are sectional views of an alternative embodiment of
filtration
device 208 coupled to a convective thermoregulation blanket 204. Like the
embodiments
illustrated in FIGS. 3-6, filtration device 208 includes support body 214,
gasket or sealing
component 216 and filter element 218. Support body 214 supports gasket 216 and
filter
element 218, which are all coupled together by, for example, lamination,
adherence or other
type of attachment means. In addition, support body 214 of filtration device
208 is attached to
exterior surface 220 of convective thermoregulation blanket 204 by an adhesive
222. It
should be realized that other means are possible, such as by lamination.
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-9-
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 8, filtration device 208 receives a distal
end 205 of hose 206,
which unfolds filter element 218 to push filter element 218 through and into
the interior of
the blanket 204 at the location of an inlet opening. In one embodiment, filter
element 218 is
an accordion style filter that can be compressed together in a flattened state
when inlet port
208. However, it is also possible for filter element 218 to be a bag style
filter that is placed
between layers of a thermoregulation blanket 204. It should be realized that
filter 1719 can be
of varying length size depending on channel size and filtering capabilities.
In addition, filter
element 204 can be removable, resealable, reattachable and disposable.
[0053] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a filtration device 308 coupled
to a convective
thermoregulation blanket 304 under one embodiment, while FIG. 10 is a
sectional view of
filtration device 308 and blanket 304 of FIG. 9. Filtration device 308 is
configured to receive
a hose 306 connected to a blower unit or forced-air blower system.
[0054] Filtration device 308 includes a support body 314, a gasket or
sealing component
316 and a filter element 318. As illustrated in detail in FIG. 10, support
body 314 includes a
first surface 315, an opposing second surface 317 and an aperture 319
extending between the
first 315 and second 317 surfaces. Aperture 319 has an inwardly facing surface
321 that
defines a distance 323 between the first 315 and second 317 surfaces. Support
body 314
supports gasket 316 and filter element 318 which are all coupled together by,
for example,
lamination, adherence or other type of attachment means. Instead of support
body 314 being
directly attached to an exterior surface 320 of a convective thermoregulation
blanket 304 as
illustrated in FIGS. 2-7, support body 314 is attached to a previously
existing inlet port body
326 already attached to the exterior surface 320 of the convective
thermoregulation blanket
304. Existing inlet port body 326 is attached to an exterior surface (such as
exterior surface
320) by for example, adhesive 322. Other attachment means are possible,
including
lamination, adhesion or the like.
[0055] While FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a single filter element 318 that can
expand into the
interior of blanket 304, other embodiments of filter element 318 are possible.
For example,
filter element 318 can be a plurality of filters stacked together in layers
and spaced apart from
each other as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 or filter element 318 can be an
accordion style or
bag style filter element as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-10-
[0056] FIG. ills a sectional view of a filtration device 408. Filtration
device 408 is a
separate assembly structure from a convective thermoregulation blanket 404 and
can be
attached to a convective thermoregulation blanket 404 when the blanket is to
be used.
Filtration device 408 includes a support body 414, a gasket or sealing
component 416 and a
filter element 418. Support body 414 and gasket 416 are configured such that
upon use, both
components extend into the interior of a convective thermoregulation blanket
through an
opening 417 extending between the exterior surface 420 and the interior
surface 424 of the
blanket. More specifically, support body 414 is attached to an exterior
surface 420 of a
blanket using an adhesive 422. For example, adhesive 422 can be included with
a backing
material across its exposed surface. To use the filtration device 408, the
backing can be
removed and the adhesive 422 can fasten or affix the assembled structure of
the support body
414, gasket 416 and filter element 418 to the convective thermoregulation
blanket 404.
Support body 414 supports gasket 416 and filter element 418 which are all
coupled together
by, for example, lamination, adherence or other type of attachment means.
[0057] Like the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, filter element 418 is an
accordion style
filter that can be compressed together in a flattened state (as illustrated in
FIG. 11) when
filtration device 408 is not coupled to a hose of a blower unit. Upon use,
inlet port 408 is
affixed to the exterior surface 420 of convective thermoregulation blanket 404
in a location
where the blanket includes an inlet opening. However, and as illustrated in
FIG. 12, support
body 414 and gasket 416 protrude from exterior surface 422 and extend into the
interior of
the convective thermoregulation blanket 404 beyond an interior surface 424 and
beyond
opening 417 in blanket 404. Therefore and as illustrated in FIG. 12,
filtration device 408 can
receive a distal end 405 of a hose 406, which expands the accordion style
filter element 418
through and into the interior of the blanket. After gasket 416 seals the hose
to convective
thermoregulation blanket 404, the supply of convective airflow 427 from hose
406 is
delivered into the convective thermoregulation blanket and expands accordion
filter 418 into
the interior of the blanket 404. Filter 418 filters harmful airborne
contaminants flowing from
the supply of airflow 427 in hose 406 before clean air 429 is distributed
throughout the
channels or chambers of the blanket 404.
[0058] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a filtration device 508 as inserted
into a convective
thermoregulation blanket 504. Filtration device 508 is a separate assembly
structure from a
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-11-
convective thermoregulation blanket 504 and can be attached to an interior
surface 524 of
convective thermoregulation blanket 504.
[0059] Filtration device 508 includes a support body 514, a gasket or
sealing component
516 and a filter element 518. Support body 514 and gasket 516 are configured
such that upon
use, both components are inserted through an inlet opening 517 located in
convective
thermoregulation blanket that extends between an exterior surface 520 and an
interior surface
524 of the blanket. After filtration device 508 is inserted through inlet
opening 517, support
body 514 and gasket 516 are attached to interior surface 524 of blanket 504
using an adhesive
522. For example, adhesive 522 can be included with a backing material across
its exposed
surface. To use filtration device 508, the backing can be removed and the
adhesive 522 can
fasten or affix the assembled structure of the support body 514, gasket 516
and filter element
518 to the interior surface 524 of convective thermoregulation blanket 504.
Support body 514
supports gasket 516 and filter element 518 which are all coupled together by,
for example,
lamination, adherence or other type of attachment means.
[0060] FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary filter element 518 as being a balloon
style filter that
can be compressed together in a flattened state (as illustrated in FIG. 13)
when filtration
device 508 is not being used. When filtration device 508 receives a distal end
505 of a hose
506 having a supply of convective air 527, the balloon style filter element
518 expands into
the interior of the blanket. After gasket 516 seals the hose 506, air 527 is
delivered into the
convective thermoregulation blanket 504. Filter element 518 filters harmful
airborne
contaminants flowing from the supply of airflow 527 in hose 506 before clean
air 529 is
distributed throughout the channels or chambers of the blanket 504.
[0061] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a filtration device 608 under yet
another
embodiment. Filtration device 608 can be a separate assembly structure that
can be attached
to a convective thermoregulation blanket when an over-the-body or under-the-
body blanket is
to be used. In the alternative, filtration device 608 can be incorporated with
a convective
thermoregulation blanket or any reusable or disposable air distribution
blanket upon
manufacture. Filtration device 608 includes a support body 614, a filter
element 618 and a
flexible ducting element 619 attached to the support body 614. Flexible
ducting element 619
includes openings on two opposing ends. In particular, flexible ducting
element 619 includes
a proximal end 631 and a distal end 633. At the distal end 633, ducting
element 619 is
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-12-
attached to support body 614, which is also supports filter element 618. The
proximal end
631 of ducting element 619 is configured to receive a hose having a supply of
convective air.
[0062] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of filtration device 608 as attached to
convective
thermoregulation blanket 604. As illustrated in FIG. 16, support body 614 of
filtration device
608 can be attached to an exterior surface 620 of convective thermoregulation
blanket 604 by
an adhesive 622. It should be realized that other means are possible. In one
embodiment,
filtration device 608 is attached to the exterior surface 620 of blanket 604
at a location of an
inlet opening 617 in the blanket. In another embodiment, filtration device 608
is attached to
the exterior surface 620 of blanket 604 when the blanket is to be used. In
this embodiment,
for example, adhesive 622 can be included with a backing material across its
exposed surface.
Upon use of filtration device 608, the backing can be removed and the adhesive
622 fastens
or affixes the assembled structure of the support body 614, filter element 618
and flexible
ducting element 619 to convective thermoregulation blanket 604.
[0063] Therefore and as illustrated FIG. 16, flexible ducting element 619
of filtration
device 608 can receive a distal end 605 of a hose 606 at its proximal end 631.
Proximal end
631 seals ducting element 619 to the hose 606. After sealed, the supply of
convective air 627
is delivered (from a blower unit) through the ducting element 619 and filter
element 618 and
into the convective thermoregulation blanket 604. Filter element 618 filters
harmful airborne
contaminants flowing from the supply of airflow 627 in hose 606 before clean
air 629 is
distributed throughout the channels or chambers of the blanket.
[0064] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a filtration device 708 under yet
another
embodiment. Like filtration device 608, filtration device 708 is a separate
assembly structure
that can be attached to a convective thermoregulation blanket 704 when the
blanket is to be
used. In the alternative, filtration device 708 can be incorporated with a
convective
thermoregulation blanket 704 upon manufacture. Also like filtration device
608, filtration
device 708 includes a support body 714, a filter element 718 and a flexible
ducting element
719 attached to the support body 714. Flexible ducting element 719 has an
accordion-type
shape and includes openings on two opposing ends. At the distal end 733,
ducting element
719 is attached to support body 714. At the proximal end 731, ducting element
719 is
configured to receive a hose 706. Proximal end 731 seals ducting element 719
to the hose
706. After sealed, the supply of convective air 727 is delivered (from a
blower unit) through
the ducting element 719 and filter element 718 and into the convective
thermoregulation
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-13-
blanket 704. Filter element 718 filters harmful airborne contaminants flowing
from the
supply of airflow 727 in hose 706 before clean air 729 is distributed
throughout the channels
or chambers of the blanket 704. Unlike filtration device 608, filter element
718 of filtration
device 708 is supported by the walls of the flexible ducting element 719. As
illustrated in
FIG. 17, filter element 718 is positioned at a midpoint of the ducting element
719. However,
other positions are possible.
[0065] FIG. 18 a sectional view of a filtration device 808 for a convective
thermoregulation blanket 804 under yet another embodiment. Like filtration
device 708,
filtration device 808 can be a separate assembly structure that can be
attached to a convective
thermoregulation blanket 804 when the blanket is to be used. In the
alternative, filtration
device 808 can be incorporated with a convective thermoregulation blanket upon
manufacture. Also, like filtration device 708, filtration device 808 includes
a support body
814, a filter element 818 and a flexible ducting element 819 attached to the
support body 814.
Flexible ducting element 819 has a compressible box-type shape and includes
openings on
two opposing ends. At the distal end 833, ducting element 819 is attached to
support body
814. At proximal end 831, ducting element 819 is configured to receive a hose
806. Proximal
end 831 seals ducting element 819 to the hose 806. After sealed, the supply of
convective air
827 is delivered (from a blower unit) through the ducting element 819 and
filter element 818
and into the convective thermoregulation blanket 804. Filter element 818
filters harmful
airborne contaminants flowing from the supply of airflow 827 in hose 806
before clean air
829 is distributed throughout the channels or chambers of the blanket 804.
Like filtration
device 708, filter element 818 is supported by the walls of the flexible
ducting element 819.
As illustrated in FIG. 18, filter element 818 is positioned at a midpoint of
the ducting element
819. However, other positions are possible.
[0066] Support body 814 of filtration device 808 can be attached to an
exterior surface
820 of convective thermoregulation blanket 804 by an adhesive 822. It should
be realized that
other means are possible. In one embodiment, filtration device 808 is attached
to the exterior
surface 820 of blanket 804 at a location of an inlet opening 817 in the
blanket. In another
embodiment, filtration device 808 is attached to the exterior surface 820 of
blanket 804 when
the blanket is to be used. In this embodiment, for example, adhesive 822 can
be included with
a backing material across its exposed surface. Upon use of the filtration
device 808, the
backing can be removed and the adhesive 822 can fasten or affix the assembled
structure of
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-14-
the support body 814, filter element 818 and flexible ducting element 819 to
convective
thermoregulation blanket 804.
[0067] FIG. 19 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of
filtration device 808
of FIG. 18. In this embodiment, filter element 818 includes a plurality of
filters 828 stacked
into layers and spaced apart from each other. FIG. 19 illustrates two filters.
However, it
should be realized that any number of filters can be used. Each of the
plurality of filters 828,
for example, can be a different type of filter that filters different size
particles. Although not
particularly illustrated, filtration device 808 also can includes a sleeve
coupled to the
proximal end 831 of flexible ducting element 819. The sleeve cinches, fastens
or affixes
around hose 806 to make an airtight seal. Such affixing can be accomplished in
numerous
ways. For example, by adhesive or the like.
[0068] FIGS. 20 and 21 are diagrammatic top views of embodiments of a
convective
thermoregulation blankets 904 and 1004. In these embodiments, an interior
section or portion
of blanket 904 or 1004 can be made of a filter material to maintain a clean or
sterile
environment when in use. As previously discussed, an interior of convective
thermoregulation blanket 904, 1004 generally includes a primary distribution
channel 940 or
1040. As illustrated in FIG. 20, primary distribution channel 940 is located
down the center
of blanket 904. However and as illustrated in FIG. 21, primary distribution
channel 1040 is
located at a top end of blanket 1004. Primary distribution channel 940, 1040
includes an
interior surface of which an inlet opening 917 or 1017 extends between an
exterior surface of
the in the blanket and the interior surface of the primary distribution
channel 940, 1040. At
least a portion of the exterior surface of the blanket is configured to be in
contact with a
patient. Opening 917, 1017 is formed for receiving a supply of convective air
in a hose from
a blower unit and acts as the component which delivers thermal regulated
convective air into
primary distribution channel 940, 1040.
[0069] In one embodiment, these primary distribution channels 940, 1040 can
be made of
a filter material, such that upon clean or sterile convective air from a
blower unit being
directed into the blanket, any particles are filtered out at the primary
distribution channel
level. Connected to the primary distribution channel 940, 1040 is a plurality
of interconnected
distribution sub-channels 941, 1041 that feed clean or sterile convective air
filtered in the
primary distribution channel 940, 1040 to other parts of blanket 904 or 1004.
As illustrated in
FIG. 20, blanket 904 further includes a plurality of first outlet openings 912
extending
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-15-
between the exterior surface of the blanket that is in contact with a patient
and interior
surfaces of the interconnected distribution sub-channels 941. The plurality of
first outlet
openings 912 distribute filtered thermal regulated convective air onto the
patient.
[0070] Therefore, air exiting the blanket 904 through first outlet openings
912 or through
a single second outlet opening 1013 as illustrated in FIG. 21 is air free of
harmful particles.
Although blankets 904 and 1004 illustrate primary distribution channels 940
and 1040 as
being made of filter material, it is possible that all distribution channels
(including sub-
channels) can be made of a filter material or that the entire blanket 904 or
1004 can be made
of filter material.
[0071] FIG. 22 illustrates a filtration device 1108 under another
embodiment. Besides a
blanket, such as blanket 1104, including an inlet port opening having a
filtration device as
describe in the above embodiments and a plurality of first outlet openings,
such as openings
912, a blanket, such as blanket 1104, can also include an outlet port attached
to a second
outlet opening of a blanket, such as second outlet opening 1113. While the
plurality of first
outlet openings distribute thermal regulated convective air onto a patient,
second outlet
opening 1113 includes a filtration device 1108. As illustrated in FIG. 22,
filtration device
1108 includes similar components to the filtration device designed for the
inlet opening, such
as a support body 1114, gasket 1126 and filter element 1118. The main
difference is that the
air flow through the filter element 1118 originates from the interior of the
blanket 1104 and
distributes to an exterior location outside the blanket 1104 to provide
filtered air to a specific
location or top of the blanket. For example, filtered exhaust air or waste
heat could be
directed to a specific location to create a clean or sterile environment
outside the blanket.
Filtration device 1108 also includes versatility. If necessary, second outlet
opening 1113 and
therefore filtration device 1108 can be used as a second filtration device in
a second inlet
opening. If, for example, the first filtration device is positioned in a place
that is in the way of
caring for the patient, the alternative second port filtration device and
opening can be used to
receive and filter the supply of convective air from the hose for delivering
clean or sterile
convective air.
[0072] FIG. 23-1 is similar to FIG. 20 except FIG. 23-1 illustrates a
diagrammatic top
view of a thermoregulation blanket 1204 under an embodiment where primary
distribution
channel 1240 includes two chambers for accommodating two different supplies of
convective
air. The first chamber 1250 includes filter material for filtering a supply of
convective air
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-16-
from a first inlet opening 1244 and the second chamber 1252 includes filter
material for
filtering a supply of air from a second inlet opening 1245. The first chamber
1250 is
separated from the second chamber 1252 by a perforation line 1275 such that
blanket 1204
can be separated into two different blankets or can remain connected to be
used as a single
blanket. The first chamber 1250 delivers filtered air to interconnected sub-
channels 1241 in a
first portion 1276 of blanket 1204 for distribution onto a patient. The second
chamber 1252
delivers filtered air to interconnected sub-channels 1241 in a remaining or
second portion
1278 of blanket 1204. Therefore, convective air being fed into first chamber
1250 through
first inlet opening 1244 communicates only with first portion 1276 of blanket
1204 and
convective air being fed into second chamber 1252 through second inlet opening
1245
communicates only with second portion 1278 of blanket 1204. Both first and
second
chambers 1250 and 1252 of primary distribution channel 1240 include an
interior surface of
which apertures 1244 and 1245 extend between an exterior surface of the
blanket and the
interior surfaces of first and second chambers 1250 and 1252.
[0073] FIG. 23-2 illustrates thermoregulation blanket 1204 where primary
distribution
channel 1240 also includes first and second chambers 1250 and 1252 made of
filter material
for accommodating two different supplies of convective air through first inlet
opening 1244
and second inlet opening 1245. However, instead of first chamber 1250 feeding
convective
air only into interconnected sub-channels 1241 in a first portion 1276 of
blanket 1204 and
second chamber 1252 feeding convective air only into interconnected sub-
channels 1241 in a
remaining or second portion 1278 of blanket 1204, both first chamber 1250 and
second
chamber 1252 feed convective air into both first portion 1276 and second
portion 1278. For
example, first chamber 1250 not only feeds convective air into sub-channels
1241 located in
first portion 1276, but also feeds convective air into second portion 1278 at
opening 1282.
Accordingly, second chamber 1252 not only feeds convective air into sub-
channels 1241
located in second portion 1278, but also feeds convective air into first
portion 1276 at
opening 1284. Blanket 1204 still includes perforation line 1275 for separating
blanket 1204
into first portion 1276 and second portion 1278. However, upon separating
blanket 1204 at
perforation line 1275, openings 1282 and 1284 are closed with an adhesive,
clips or other
types of mechanisms.
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-17-
[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 23-1 and 23-2, primary distribution channel
1240 is located
through the center of blanket 1204. However, primary distribution channel 1240
can be
positioned in other locations, such as on either end of blanket 1204. For
example, the
diagrammatical top view in FIG. 23-3 illustrates blanket 1204 where primary
distribution
channel 1240 is located at an end of the blanket for the distribution of
filtered air to other air
channels in the blanket. Channel 1240 includes filter material as is the case
in FIGS. 23-1 and
23-2. In the alternative, a filtration device can be positioned at the first
and second inlet
openings 1244 and 1245.
[0075] In FIG. 23-3, primary distribution channel 1240 includes first and
second inlet
openings 1244 and 1245. Conditioned air from a blower or fan unit can be
provided to
primary distribution channel 1240 through either inlet opening 1244 or 1245
when the
blanket 1204 is used as one large unit. The unused port would be sealed such
that air could
not escape. Convective air in distribution channel 1240 is fed to all
interconnected sub-
channels 1241 in the blanket 1204. However, blanket 1204 can be separated
along a
perforation line 1275 to be used as two smaller blankets with having a first
chamber 1250 for
distributing convective air and a second chamber 1252 for distributing
convective air. When
separated, the opening 1286 between first chamber 1250 and second chamber 1252
can be
sealed using adhesive, clips or other types of mechanisms.
[0076] FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of a convective
thermoregulation blanket
1304. Blanket 1304 includes a plurality of longitudinal interconnected sub-
channels 1341 and
a primary distribution channel 1340 having a top layer which is impervious to
airflow. In
particular, each channel 1341 and 1340 includes a poly top layer that is
impervious to
airflow. The central most primary distribution channel 1340 is at least
partially made of a
filter material and includes an inlet opening an inlet port 1344 for mating
with an incoming
air supply, such as a supply of thermal regulated convective air from a hose
1306 coupled to a
blower or fan unit. As illustrated in more detail in FIG. 24, primary
distribution channel 1340
includes two chambers separated by filter material 1380. The upper chamber
1350 includes
an unfiltered air chamber 1350 and the lower chamber 1352 includes filtered
air chamber
1352. Upper chamber 1350 is in fluidic communication with the inlet opening
1344 to
receive the supply of convective air stream from the blower or fan unit. Such
a supply of air
stream is contaminated with particulate unsafe to the surgical or wound site
or sterile
environment. Lower chamber 1352 is in fluidic communication with the other sub-
channels
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-18-
13541 of the thermoregulation blanket 1304. Filter material 1380 is completely
sealed to the
impervious top layer so that none of the unfiltered air in upper chamber 1350
can seep into
the filtered air in lower chamber 1352.
[0077] In FIG. 24, upper chamber 1350 is located above lower chamber 1352.
Upon the
upper chamber 1350 attaining a particular air pressure, the inlet supply of
air from hose 1306
filters down through the filter material 1380 into the lower chamber 1352.
Filtered air is then
distributed to the other air sub-channels 1341 in the thermoregulation blanket
1304. Although
not clearly illustrated in FIG. 24, thermoregulation blanket 1304 includes
perforations or, first
outlet openings or other means to distribute filtered airflow out the bottom
layer of the
blanket 1304 such that the filtered air can exit to warm or cool the patient.
Filtered air enters
lower chamber 1352 and inflates all other channels 1341 of the blanket 1304
for even
distribution of filtered air throughout the blanket and through the
perforations or other means
to the patient. The bottom layer of the blanket 1304 can be made of a woven or
non-woven
material. In addition, although FIG. 24 illustrates blanket 1304 that is
essentially similar to
the blanket 904 in FIG. 20, it is possible for the configuration of upper
chamber 1350 being
located above and separated by a filter 1380 from lower chamber 1352 to be
used in the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 23-1 through 23-3. In such a configuration,
both chambers
1250 and 1252 include upper and lower chambers 1350 and 1352.
[0078] FIG. 25 illustrates a side sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a primary
distribution channel 1440 under another embodiment. Like FIG. 24, channel 1440
includes
two chambers separated by filter material 1480 and includes an inner chamber
1450 of
unfiltered air and an outer chamber 1452 of filtered air. Instead of air
chamber 1450
containing unfiltered air being located above chamber 1452 containing filtered
air, inner
chamber 1450 is located internal to outer chamber 1452 and is in communication
with a
supply of convective air from the blower or fan unit. Therefore, a sleeve of
filter material
1480 encloses inner chamber 1450 and outer chamber 1452 is located between the
impervious interior surface of channel 1440 and the filter material 1480. Like
the
embodiment described above, air in outer chamber 1452 is in communication with
all other
channels of the thermoregulation blanket such that even distribution of
filtered air through
out the blanket and through the perforations to a patient is accomplished. In
addition, it is
possible for the configuration of inner chamber 1450 being internal to and
separated by a
filter 1480 from outer chamber 1452 can be used in the embodiments illustrated
in FIGS. 23-
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-19-
1 through 23-3. In such a configuration, both chambers 1250 and 1252 include
inner and
outer chambers 1450 and 1452. In yet another embodiment, only one of chambers
1250 and
1252 can include either upper chamber 1350 and lower chamber 1352 or inner
chamber 1450
and outer chamber 1452. In such a configuration, one of chambers 1250 and 1252
filters
convective air, while the other of the chambers does not.
[0079] FIG. 26 illustrates yet another convective thermoregulation blanket
1504 where a
patient lays on top of the blanket and perforations are made in the top layer
of the blanket.
Such internal structure of blanket 1504 can be similar in scope to any of the
concepts
presented above including an inlet opening, which receives a supply of
thermoregulated
convective air from a hose 1506. In addition, blanket 1504 provides further
benefits than just
thermal regulation of air. It also provides regulation of a gas concentration
around a patient
when their breathing is supplemented with higher concentrations of oxygen by a
facemask,
nasal cannula, or another supplemental oxygen source 1588. As described above,
in oxygen
rich environments, as would occur when a patient's head is covered by a
surgical drape 1585
as illustrated in FIG. 26, a first supply of gas 1587, such as oxygen and
other flammable or
combustible gases from the supply source, such as nasal cannula 1588, surgical
prep solution
or vapor, can become entrapped around the surgical site or patient. The higher
concentration
of the first supply of gas 1587 increases the risk of surgical fires,
especially when a heat or
ignition source such as an electrocautery unit or laser is introduced in this
environment. By
providing a second supply of gas from filtering convective air in a convective
thermoregulation blanket, varying gas concentrations that are low in oxygen,
inert, or
noncombustible such as ambient air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or helium,
airflow exiting the
blanket can dilute and displace (wash out) gases that create or support
combustion such as
flammable gases, accelerants, or oxidizers. Creating a local clean or sterile
environment that
can also create varying oxygen concentrations around a surgical site and
patient will
significantly decrease the risk of surgical fires near and around the patient
and surgical
environment.
[0080] In the alternative, blanket 1504 could be used as a surgical or head
drape in order
to deliver filtered thermal regulated air to the surgical site or the patient
for regulating patient
body temperature and also washing away high concentrations of oxygen or other
harmful and
flammable vapors. In yet another alternative, the thermoregulation blanket
could be used in
the form of a bed, mattress, or on an instrument tray or table.
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-20-
[0081] FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of a thermoregulation blanket
1604 used as
a patient warming device or surgical site drape to deliver filtered thermal
regulated air to not
only the patient, but also to a surgical site so that any contaminants located
in proximity of
the surgical site can be carried away. Thermoregulation blanket 1604 includes
an opening
1690 for a surgical site and a primary distribution channel 1640 having an
inlet opening 1644
that receives a supply of convective air from a hose 1606. As illustrated in
FIG. 28,
convective air from hose 1606 is received in an inner chamber 1650 and is
filtered by a filter
material 1680 surrounding inner chamber 1650. Outer chamber 1652 includes
filtered
convective air and is defined between filter material 1680 and the interior
surface of primary
distribution channel 1640.
[0082] Primary distribution channel 1640 includes a plurality of apertures
1612 for
distributing convective air to the surrounding environment. In FIGS. 27 and
28, most of the
apertures 1612 distribute air on top of blanket 1604 to provide a directional
flow of filtered
air over the sterile surgical site. This flow of filtered air carries any
contaminants located in
the surgical environment away to maintain a clean or sterile environment.
However, at least
one of the apertures 1612 is located below an exterior surface of blanket 1604
and thereby
distributes filtered convective air to the patient's body for controlling
patient temperature.
[0083] FIG. 29-1, 29-2 and 29-3 illustrate perspective views of another
embodiment of a
thermoregulation blanket 1704 used as a patient warming device and surgical
site drape to
deliver filtered thermal regulated air to not only the patient, but also to a
surgical site so that
any contaminants located in proximity of the surgical site can be carried
away.
Thermoregulation blanket 1704 includes an opening 1790 for a surgical site and
a primary
distribution channel 1740 having a pair of inlet openings 1744 and 1745 that
receive a supply
of convective air through hoses 1706 and 1707. The surgical site defined by
opening 1790
includes a first supply of air that can include airborne contaminants, such as
particulate and
harmful biological contaminates. As illustrated in FIG. 30, convective air
from hose 1706 is
received in a first inner chamber 1750-1 and is filtered by a filter material
1780-1
surrounding first inner chamber 1750-1. First outer chamber 1752-1 includes
filtered
convective air and is defined between filter material 1780-1 and a portion of
the interior
surface of primary distribution channel 1740. Convective air from hose 1707 is
received in a
second inner chamber 1750-2 and is filtered by a filter material 1780-2
surrounding second
inner chamber 1750-2. Second outer chamber 1752-2 includes filtered convective
air and is
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-21-
defined between filter material 1780-2 and a portion of the interior surface
of primary
distribution channel 1740. First inner and outer chambers 1750-1 and 1752-1
and second
inner and outer chambers 1750-2 and 1752-2 are separated by an impermeable
barrier 1792.
[0084] Primary distribution channel 1740 includes a plurality of apertures
1712 for
distributing convective air to the surrounding environment. In FIGS. 29 and
30, most of the
apertures 1712 distribute air on top of blanket 1704 to thereby provide a
second supply of
filtered air or a directional flow of filtered air over the sterile surgical
site. This flow of
filtered air or second supply of air carries any contaminants located in the
surgical
environment away to maintain a sterile environment. However, at least one of
the apertures
1712 distributes convective air within blanket 1704 and thereby distributes
filtered
convective air to the patient's body for controlling patient temperature.
[0085] In addition, the pair of inlet openings 1744 and 1745 can receive
different
temperatures or different types of convective air or gas. For example, inlet
opening 1744
could receive cool air while inlet opening 1745 can receive warm air. In
another example,
inlet opening 1744 could receive one type of gas while inlet opening 1745
could receive a
different type of gas. However, in yet another example, inlet opening 1744
could receive the
same temperature and same type of gas as inlet opening 1745.
[0086] FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate sectional views of additional embodiments
of a
thermoregulation blanket 1804 and 1904 used as patient warming devices and
surgical site
drapes to deliver filtered thermal regulated air to not only the patient 1896,
1996, but also to a
surgical site so that any contaminants located in proximity of the surgical
site can be carried
away. Like the blankets illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 29, blankets 1804 and 1904
include
openings 1890, 1990 for a surgical site. Blankets 1804 and 1904 can include
any of the above
the embodiments in terms of filtration devices incorporated into inlet
openings or primary
distribution channels including or made of filter material.
[0087] The perimeter of openings 1890 and 1990 not only include an adhesive
1893,
1993 to seal the openings 1890 and 1990 to the patient, but also include
inwardly facing
surface(s) 1891 and 1991. Inwardly facing surface(s) 1891 and 1991 including
outlet
openings that are in fluidic communication with filtered air in blankets 1804
and 1904. This
filtered air exits through the outlet openings in inwardly facing surface(s)
and carry harmful
contaminants up or away from the sterile environment or surgical site. In
combination, filter
air exits through perforations in the bottom of blankets 1804 and 1904 to
thermally regulate
CA 02829199 2013-09-05
WO 2011/119581 PCT/US2011/029385
-22-
the temperature of patient 1896 or 1996. In FIG. 32, blanket 1904 includes two
distinct
chambers 1950 and 1952, which are not in fluidic communication with each
other. First
chamber 1950 delivers filtered air to the sterile environment or surgical site
to carry
contaminants away, while second chamber 1952 delivers filtered air to the
thermally regulate
patient 1996.
[0088] FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a
convective thermoregulation blanket 1904. Blanket 1904 includes at least two
distribution
plenums 1967-1 and 1967-2. As illustrated in the sectional view of FIG. 33,
distribution
plenums 1967-1 and 1967-2 include a plurality of apertures 1912, located on
exterior surfaces
1920-1 and 1920-2, for distributing convective air or other gases to the
surrounding
environment. Blanket 1904 additionally includes a layer 1966, which captures
or surrounds
the air or gas distributed by blanket 1904 from apertures 1912 from one or
more of surfaces
1920-1 and 1920-2. Layer 1966 can, for example, confine warm air or other gas
distributed
from the apertures 1912 located on the upper surface 1920-1 of blanket 1904 to
the space
1970 between layer 1966 and the exterior surface 1920-1 of the convective
regulation
blanket. Layer 1968 can consist of a filter element, a gas impermeable layer,
such as a plastic
film, a combination of filter material and an impermeable layer, or a gas
permeable layer,
such as a porous woven or nonwoven. Other configurations of air distribution
channels are
considered. For example a single distribution plenum, or a plurality of
distribution channels.
In addition, other embodiments where apertures for distributing convective air
are located
only on the top surface of the blanket, only of the bottom surface of the
blanket, or only
partially covering the upper, lower, or both surfaces of the blanket are
considered.
[0089] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific
to structural
features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject
matter defined in
the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or
acts described above.
Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as
example forms of
implementing the claims. For example, the surface area of the filter element
can be of varying
sizes and the inlet/outlet ports can allow the insertion of a distal end of a
blower hose of
varying sizes.
